"Where to now?" Ashur asked as we walked away.

We didn't waste any time putting distance between us and that restaurant. They might have a lapse of judgment and decide to come after us after all.

"Back to the office. I have to call my client and tell him it was a no go."

"Are they still going to pay you?"

"According to our contract, the first payment is nonrefundable if I make a good-faith effort to complete the job," I explained. "But that doesn't mean the client is going to be happy to hear that."

"Yeah, I bet," Ashur said thoughtfully. He looked around at the street and pursed his lips. "Why don't we take my car? The garage it's in is right here." He pointed to the right.

Being able to sit down for the rest of the way sounded nice. It would also offer the protection of a metal cage, and traffic wasn't as bad as it could be this time of day.

"Sounds good."

The attendant at the little booth to the entrance of the garage came right to attention when he saw Ashur.

"Here to pick up the Wing, sir?"

The Wing, huh? That was one of the most expensive and rarest cars available. Not exactly unobtrusive either with its chrome details and the flared sides.

"No, I think something a little less flashy today, Giani."

Giani sighed. "All right. I have to admit, I was looking forward to driving it out here."

Ashur grinned. "I completely understand. When I have more time, I'll come and we'll take it out, all right?"

"Really? That would be amazing, sir!" His young, angular face lit up with his smile as he stepped out of the booth. "I'll have the car out right away!" He disappeared into the depths of the garage as we moved over to the side.

There were upholstered chairs and refrigerated water for the clients in the little waiting area nook. Fancy.

"That was really sweet of you," I murmured.

Ashur shrugged. "He's a good kid. And it'll only take a few minutes of my time."

He said it so nonchalantly, but I knew most people in his position wouldn't even think about making the parking garage attendant's day like that. They probably wouldn't even remember his name. It was the little things that made of one's character, wasn't it? And everything I'd seen so far about Ashur told me the same thing—he was a good guy. A good man.

The car the attendant brought out was low and sleek and black. It wasn't the car I'd seen before.

"How many cars do you have in the city?" I asked as I sat down inside, taking in the various knobs and buttons and enjoying the cushioned seat.

"A few," he admitted. "I justify it by saying anyone in the skein can use them when they're here," he said with a self-deprecating grin. He glanced over at me. "You're welcome to, also, by the way."

I held up my hands. "I'd be way too afraid to get a scratch or a dent on it," I said, laughing. "Thanks, though."

"I wouldn't care," he said, pulling out onto the street. "I have a full crew available for fixes anytime I need them." He looked over at me. "Then again . . . I think I'd like seeing you in something I bought for you specifically."

Oh no. I shook my head emphatically. "Don't you dare," I warned.

"Hmm." He turned carefully onto one of the main streets.

"I mean it, Ashur. I won't take it."

"I bet Omari would be ecstatic with a new car."

"That's pretty low," I commented.

He grinned. "I play to win."

I dropped the subject, knowing I wasn't going to get anywhere with this at the moment. And he couldn't really mean it. Right?

We got to my office building much faster than we would have otherwise, the car moving through traffic like a quiet shark. Ashur was able to pull off the magic trick of actually finding street parking, which I could never do. I shook my head as we got out and he put the car's alarm on.

"Wonders will never cease," I said, looking over at the front door of my building. "I've never gotten a spot this good here."

"Maybe that's because you never drive," Ashur pointed out.

I shrugged. He wasn't wrong. My car wasn't exactly on par with his and I got around the city dome pretty well without it, for the most part.

We went into the building and I unlocked my office. We each took up our previous stations. We were already falling into a routine, but I cautioned myself not to get used to it. This was temporary. He couldn't stay in the city dome with me indefinitely. He had his own responsibilities and life to get back to. People who depended on him. I felt sadness trying to creep in at the thought of him leaving and squashed it hard. There was no use crying over something that couldn't be changed.

And I had work to do. I suppressed a groan as I called Richard, my client. Though I was pretty sure that wasn't really his name. I really didn't want to have this talk, but there was no point in delaying it.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Richard. I have some bad news. I'm calling because I was unable to pick up the package this morning," I said, using my professional voice. It was obviously different than my normal one because Ashur looked up at me with a raised brow.

A pause on the other end of the line.

"Why not?" he asked, his voice hard. "The instructions were simple."

"The . . . gentleman behind the counter said it was a sign of disrespect that you didn't come on your own. And then he and two others in the restaurant attacked me."

He muttered an oath. "Fine," he snapped. "Give me a full refund. I'll find someone else."

"My contract states I keep the deposit if I make a good-faith effort to finish the job," I explained patiently. "I will not be issuing a refund."

"That's ridiculous!" he blurted out. "You didn't even do anything!"

I leaned back in my chair. "I went to the designated pickup location and followed your instructions. Not only was I unable to secure the package, my personal safety was put at risk. So, yes, I did do something."

I kept my voice low and calm. Shouting wouldn't help. Even if I really wanted to yell at the little shit.

"That is bullshit! How do I even know that's what happened?" he demanded. "How do I know you're not just pocketing the money and avoiding the actual work?"

That really irritated me.

"You don't," I said. "But you came to me because I have a good reputation. It isn't in my best interest to lie. And not following through with the job means I don't get the second payment. Why would I shoot myself in the foot like that?"

"I'm going to have my lawyer look through your contract," he snarled. "This is crazy."

"Go ahead. It's ironclad." I met Ashur's eyes. His were filled with amusement. "And word of advice? I wouldn't try to hire someone else. You'll just waste more money."

He went on another tirade.

So I hung up.

I'd delivered the news I had to deliver. I wasn't being paid to be his punching bag.

Both of Ashur’s brows went up this time.

"Get a lot of douche bags?" he asked.

"It happens. And I'm sure I'm not alone."

"I have to say," he leaned back and crossed his arms as he regarded me. "It was pretty hot watching you handle him."

I laughed, surprised. "Sure it was."

He smiled back as he stood up.

"What are you doing?" I asked, pushing away from the desk.

"Well, you're saying you don't believe me," he murmured, stepping around the desk and leaning back against it. He pulled me to my feet and up against him. "And I certainly don't want you to think I'm a liar."

I definitely felt the fact that he was telling the truth.

"Ashur—"

His mouth came down on mine. He gave me a kiss that made my toes curl in my boots, my hands grab onto his hard waist. By the time he pulled back, both of us were breathing hard. My heart was pounding and his wasn't doing any better. His eyes were hot as they stared into mine.

Why'd he stop? The question must have been clear on my face because he smirked.

"I'd finish what I started, but . . ." he held up his watch. "Time to get Omari."

I thunked my head against his chest in frustration. I'd never been on such a strict schedule before.

"That was really mean. You knew we didn't have time to do anything after you riled me up!" I said. "That's diabolical."

He chuckled, not denying it. "It's only fair after you got me going," he said. "Come on. At least I can use the car ride to calm down."

He definitely needed it. There was no mistaking that bulge for anything else.

I really wish we had more time. He took my hand and led me out of the office. I felt like I spent a lot of my time being hot and bothered since I met Ashur. I didn't mind, but I just wish we had more opportunity to act on it.

One plus was I didn't have to walk or take the trolley this time to pick up Omari. I'd gotten ahold of myself by the time we pulled up at the school.

I saw kids' and parents' heads turn to look as one. For someone trying to avoid extra attention, I sure was managing to garner more than my fair share. I sank a little lower in my seat. I was never going to fit in here. It was official.

"What's wrong?" Ashur asked, frowning at me.

"I feel like everyone here is judging me," I said. "And you're not helping."

He glanced out the windshield and waved at the kids. They waved back excitedly.

He chuckled. "Want me to get Omari?" he asked. "I think I can handle a bunch of kids and judgmental parents."

"Sure. It's easy for you. They all want to see you naked," I muttered.

He laughed. "Well, you know I only want to see one person naked," he purred.

I gave him a look.

Flashing me a grin, he got out of the car and circled around the front. I watched his progress towards the kids. The women weren't even pretending to hide the fact that they were watching him. Those jeans did cup his butt nicely, I had to admit. The men there stood up straighter and sucked in their stomachs as Ashur reached the kids. I saw the same hero worship in the children's faces that I saw in Omari's.

Omari was saying something excitedly as Ashur walked up, practically jumping up and down in his joy. Aw. When they started back to the car, I saw how he puffed out his little chest and almost swaggered to it. Obviously, he was really excited to be seen with Ashur and with the car. Maybe he'd have some cachet with the other kids now.

When they reached the car, Omari's eyes were as wide as saucers as he took in the shiny black beast of a vehicle, his cool demeanor vanishing in his excitement. He scrambled into the back as Ashur got into the driver's seat.

"Wow!" he exclaimed, craning his head to see the bells and whistles in the front. "This car is so cool!"

"Hi, Omari," I said wryly.

"Hi, Mia!" Omari said, his bright smile making me feel instantly happier. "Did you see, Mia? All the kids thought Ashur's car was the best!"

I laughed. "I did see. But remember, it's still just a car," I said.

"I know. But it's still cool."

"That we can agree on," I said mildly. I hoped I wasn't teaching him to be materialistic.

"I'm glad you like it," Ashur said, looking back at Omari. "I'll take you out of the dome in it sometime—where we can go as fast as we want."

"Wow, really?" Omari said, bouncing in his seat now. "I can't wait! Can we go right now?"

Ashur laughed. "Not today, but soon," he promised.

I could see I was going to have to keep an eye on these two, but I was smiling as we pulled into the parking garage at my apartment. I was glad to see Omari so upbeat.

School was definitely wearing on him. I hoped the little bit of social boost Ashur gave him made things a little better for him the next time he showed up. I couldn't do anything about what they thought of dragons and phoenixes here, but being higher in the pecking order usually made things easier for kids. At least, I was hoping it would.

Omari ran up the stairs as usual, with Ashur and me bringing up the rear. I was again struck by how nice it was to have him here. I again pushed that feeling down. I couldn't get used to this, though I knew I was fighting a losing battle the longer he stayed.

"Hi, Jacob!"

Ashur tensed a little, but went up the rest of the way at the same pace. When we reached the landing, Jacob was handing Omari a cupcake.

"I know you really like the chocolate ones," he said with a smile.

"Thanks!" Omari said, taking the delicious-looking cake.

He didn't waste any time taking a bite, and I didn't have the heart to stop him. I guess the cupcake was his after school snack for today.

When Jacob straightened, he looked over at Ashur, his face neutral. As neutral as Ashur's was actually. They eyed each other for a moment.

I almost expected a tumbleweed to roll by and old western music to twang. I didn't know what their problem was. Seemed like they'd been working together just fine when it involved me.

Ashur nodded at Jacob.

Jacob nodded back.

I guess they reached some sort of silent truce through that stoic ritual.

"Any new developments, Mia?" Jacob asked, finally turning his attention to me.

I had been starting to think I might be invisible.

"Nothing yet."

"At least that means you were safe." He glanced over at Ashur. "Well, I won't take any more of your time—just wanted to give Omari some of my leftover batch."

"Thanks, Jacob," I said.

Tossing a sloppy salute our way, he disappeared back into his apartment.

We followed suit and got right into our routine, Ashur fitting in as if he'd always been there. That night was as nice as the one before. As was the next one. And the next.

A week flew by without another incident.

I started to relax.

I should have known better.